Tequila Kit

ABSTRACT

A tequila kit is described that includes a platter with at least 3 embossments that are specifically adapted to securely hold a salt shaker, shot glass and a lemon or lime. The kit includes a specialized salt shaker and shot glass.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/652,994, filed Apr. 5, 2018, which is incorporated herein as if a part of the original specification.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention is related to platters or trays for supporting items related to tequila consumption, and more importantly to a platter and related kit that includes a specialized platter, shot glass and salt shaker, that are specifically adapted for the consumption of tequila.

A popular way to drink tequila is by “shots.” A “shot” is a small quantity (typically about 1 to 2 fluid ounces) of an alcoholic beverage, usually a liquor or spirit, which is ingested in one gulp. A small glass of suitable size that is generally used for this purpose is called a shot glass. In the United States and other places around the world, a traditional or common way to drink a shot of tequila is with salt and juice from a lime (some people use lemon in lieu of lime). Salt is first sprinkled on the back of one hand in the area between the index finger and thumb. The hand with the salt is used to hold a lime slice (or wedge) and the shot glass of tequila is held in the other hand. The shot is done by performing the following steps in rapid succession: 1) lick the salt from the back of the hand, 2) gulp down the tequila, and 3) squeeze the lime slice between the upper and lower teeth and suck out and swallow the juice. Typically, a tequila host or server will present tequila in a bottle or shot glass, salt in a salt shaker and a lime to a drinker. These items a usually presented individually, which is not efficient.

There are existing devices for serving tequila, but all are adapted for providing service to multiple tequila drinkers. The current invention is specifically adapted for single-service tequila service. It is a solution for restaurants, caterers, bartenders and individuals. It provides a fast, efficient, safe and healthier way to serve and transport tequila and other food items to individuals in an efficient, sanitary, and stylish manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a platter for holding all items necessary for an individual to consume tequila in the traditional way that is portable and specifically adapted for a single serving of tequila. To meet this objective, a tequila kit is described that includes a top surface comprising a first embossment, a second embossment, and a third embossment, the first embossment being square-shaped and adapted to accept a salt shaker having a square-shaped bottom, whereby the outer dimensions of the salt shaker has a square-shape, the second embossment being crescent-shaped and adapted to accept sliced fruits, and the third embossment being circular-shaped and adapted to accept a circular-shaped glass having a generally circular-shaped bottom with a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the circular-shaped embossment. The kit also includes a salt shaker and shot glass that are specifically adapted to fit within the square-shaped and circular-shaped embossments, respectively.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tequila kit that is practical, attractive and interesting, such that drinking shots of tequila becomes more fun. To this end, a tequila kit is described that includes a circular platter having a top surface comprising a first embossment, a second embossment, a third embossment and a fourth embossment, each embossment marked to indicate an item the embossment is adapted to receive; the first embossment being square-shaped and adapted to accept a salt shaker having a square-shaped bottom, whereby the outer dimensions of the salt shaker has a square-shape, the second embossment being crescent-shaped and adapted to accept sliced fruits, the third embossment lying generally in the center of the platter, being circular-shaped and adapted to accept a circular-shaped glass having a generally circular-shaped bottom with a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the circular-shaped embossment, and the fourth embossment adapted to accept and retain snacks therein; a salt shaker having outer dimensions formed in a square shape and a shot glass having a bottom that is circular-shaped and a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the circular-shaped embossment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tequila kit or platter that provides a sanitary alternative to placing drink and food items on a contaminated surface, like a countertop or table. One embodiment of that platter includes a top surface comprising a first embossment, a second embossment, and a third embossment; the first embossment being square-shaped and adapted to accept a salt shaker having a square-shaped bottom, whereby the outer dimensions of the salt shaker has a square-shape, the second embossment being crescent-shaped and adapted to accept sliced fruits, and the third embossment being circular-shaped and adapted to accept a circular-shaped glass having a generally circular-shaped bottom with a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the circular-shaped embossment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagonal, perspective view of one embodiment of platter 2 of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of platter 2 of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, and in one embodiment of the invention, the invention comprises platter 2, which may be made of pottery, metal, plastic, or wood. Platter 2 may be any size, and in one embodiment is about six inches in diameter. Platter 2 includes three specialty-sized embossments 3 within its body, hereinafter referred to as “embossments 3,” which are defined by rim 4. Embossments 3 are each defined by rim 4, bottom portion 24 and side portions 18. With reference to FIGS. 1-2, side portions 18 protrude from a bottom portion 9 of platter 2, so that when in use, bottom portion 9, and likewise top surface 6, are elevated and do not come into direct contact with the surface upon which platter 2 is placed. Rather, bottom portion 24 comes into contact with the surface.

Embossments 3 are formed into a top surface 6 of platter 2 so that they form shaped embossments which are created via rim 4. Rim 4 may be elevated to form raised edges in certain embodiments not shown in the Figures. Rim 4 generally does not extend above the horizontal plane of top surface 6 area of platter 2, but may in specific embodiments not illustrated in the Figures.

As used herein, “embossed” means having a stamp, mold, protuberant or carving on the surface of an object so that a purposeful embossment 3 stands out in relief. Embossments 3 of the invention are essentially embossments holding items securely onto platter 2. Embossment 3 may be formed by stamping or any other known means for creating embossments into generally flat items.

At least three embodiments are required within platter 2. First embossment 10 is round, i.e. a circular-shaped. First embossment 10 is specifically adapted to accept a shot glass. The inner diameter of embossment 10 is approximately the same diameter as the outer diameter of the shot glass, such that the shot glass (not shown in the Figures) fits securely and snuggly within embossment 10 during storage, use and transport. Second embossment 14 is square-shaped. Second embossment 14 is specifically adapted to accept a salt-shaker having a bottom whose outer edge is generally the same size and shape as the inner portion of embossment 10, such that the salt shaker fits securely and snuggly within embossment 12 during storage, use and transport. Third embossment 12 is half-moon, crescent-shaped. Third embossment 12 is specifically adapted to accept a fruit wedge, and in specific embodiments a lime or lemon wedge.

Circular-shaped embossment 10 lies approximately in the middle of platter 2. The placement of the circular embossment 10 is important because its adapted to receive a shot glass. Shot glasses are generally circular. Shot glasses also are meant to receive tequila and must be stable during transport. So, placement of the circular indentation approximately in the middle of platter 2 allows any shot glass placed therein to be stable during transport of the invention.

Square-shaped embossment 14 and crescent-embossment 12 lie within the same hemisphere, so that generally about 50% of the surface area of platter 2 is void of any embossment, other that the circular-shaped embossment 10, which lies generally about the center of platter 2. The invention provides hosts, bartenders, caterers and individuals a means to safely and efficiently serve all items associated with a shot of tequila, e.g. shot glass, salt and a lemon or lime wedge, to one person. The invention is not designed to be large enough to include serve multiple persons. The invention only includes at least three embossments, each adapted to accept a single service of a specific item therein. In a separate embodiment, the platter 2 includes a fourth embossment, which is adapted to hold snacks.

In specific embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the embossments are not defined by a raised edge. Rather, embossments 3 are created by stamping the required shape into platter 2 to create embossments having shapes as defined herein.

When looking at the invention from a diagonal view, as shown in FIG. 1, the square-shaped embossment 14 lies to the top right of the circular-shaped embossment 10. The square-shaped embossment 14 is specifically adapted to accept a salt-shaker. Any salt shaker may be used, so long as it is accepted snuggly within square shaped embossment 14 sufficient to allow transport, use and storage of the invention, without the salt shaker falling out.

When looking at the invention from a diagonal view, as shown in FIG. 1, the crescent-shaped embossment 12, lies to the top left of the circular-embossment 10. Embossment 12 is adapted to accept a lemon or lime.

Platter 2 of the invention may include areas about its surface that do not include embossments. In certain embodiments, platter 2 may include an additional embodiment (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) that is adapted to hold any other items, including finger foods. Platter 2 and kit of the invention prevents those serving tequila from having to make multiple trips to serve individuals tequila. Each tequila drinker is able to use their own individual kit, or platter 2 of the invention, as opposed to sharing a large plate or container holding many shots, salt shakers, or lemon/limes that must be cut. Fourth embossment 22 lies about a single hemisphere of platter 2, opposite the square-shaped and circular-shaped embossments, and is designed to include snacks or any other items desired to be consumed with tequila. Fourth embossment 22 is formed in crescent-shaped embossments. All embossments are generally the same depth with regard to the top surface of platter 2.

The depth of embossments 3 must be deep enough to securely hold the items that each is specifically adapted to hold snuggly. If embossments are too shallow, they will fall out of embossments 3 during transport and therefore, not be appropriate for the invention. The invention is designed to aid in transport and service to a single user.

The invention, in one embodiment, solely includes platter 2. The invention, in another embodiment (not shown in the Figures), is a kit that includes any embodiment of platter 2, a salt shaker, whose outer body is specifically adapted to engage the square embossment 14 snuggly, and a shot glass whose outer body and diameter is adapted to engage the circular-shaped embossment 10 snuggly.

As used herein, “snuggly” means fitting within the embossment such that all items are secure during transport but may be easily removed when desired. The salt shaker and shot glass are removably mounted to platter 2 in the kit of the invention.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, platter 2 is composed of plastic. In this embodiment, the embossments 3 are not defined by raised edges, but are defined by rims 4. 

What is claimed:
 1. A tequila kit comprising: a platter having a top surface comprising a first embossment, a second embossment, and a third embossment; the first embossment being square-shaped and adapted to accept a salt shaker having a square-shaped bottom, whereby the outer dimensions of the salt shaker has a square-shape, the second embossment being crescent-shaped and adapted to accept sliced fruits, and the third embossment being circular-shaped and adapted to accept a circular-shaped glass having a generally circular-shaped bottom with a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the circular-shaped embossment; a salt shaker having outer dimensions formed in a square shape; and a shot glass having a bottom that is circular-shaped and a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the circular-shaped embossment.
 2. The tequila kit of claim 1 further comprising a fourth embossment within the top surface of the platter, the fourth embossment adapted to accept at least one snack.
 3. The tequila kit of claim 1 wherein each embossment is defined by a rim forming each shape, a bottom portion that lies beneath the top surface of the platter and side walls which connect the rim to the bottom portion of each embossment.
 4. The tequila kit of claim 1, wherein the platter is circular.
 5. The tequila kit of claim 1, wherein each embossment is marked with words describing what each embossment is adapted to receive.
 6. The tequila kit of claim 1, wherein the platter is made of pottery, metal, plastic, or wood.
 7. The tequila kit of claim 1, wherein the third circular-shaped embossment lies generally in the center of the platter.
 8. The tequila kit of claim 1, wherein the platter is made of plastic.
 9. The tequila kit of claim 1, wherein the platter is about six inches in diameter.
 10. A tequila kit comprising: a circular platter having a top surface comprising a first embossment, a second embossment, a third embossment and a fourth embossment, each embossment marked to indicate an item the embossment is adapted to receive; the first embossment being square-shaped and adapted to accept a salt shaker having a square-shaped bottom, whereby the outer dimensions of the salt shaker has a square-shape, the second embossment being crescent-shaped and adapted to accept sliced fruits, the third embossment lying generally in the center of the platter, being circular-shaped and adapted to accept a circular-shaped glass having a generally circular-shaped bottom with a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the circular-shaped embossment, and the fourth embossment adapted to accept and retain snacks therein; a salt shaker having outer dimensions formed in a square shape; and a shot glass having a bottom that is circular-shaped and a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the circular-shaped embossment.
 11. A tequila kit of claim 10 wherein the diameter of the platter is about six inches.
 12. A platter comprising: a top surface comprising a first embossment, a second embossment, and a third embossment; the first embossment being square-shaped and adapted to accept a salt shaker having a square-shaped bottom, whereby the outer dimensions of the salt shaker has a square-shape, the second embossment being crescent-shaped and adapted to accept sliced fruits, and the third embossment being circular-shaped and adapted to accept a circular-shaped glass having a generally circular-shaped bottom with a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the circular-shaped embossment.
 13. The platter of claim 12 wherein the diameter of the top surface is about six inches.
 14. The platter of claim 12 further comprising a fourth embossment within the top surface of the platter, the fourth embossment adapted to accept at least one snack.
 15. The platter of claim 12 wherein each embossment is defined by a rim forming each shape, a bottom portion that lies beneath the top surface of the platter and side walls which connect the rim to the bottom portion of each embossment.
 16. The platter of claim 12, wherein the platter is circular.
 17. The platter of claim 12, wherein each embossment is marked with words describing what each embossment is adapted to receive.
 18. The platter of claim 12, wherein the platter is made of pottery, metal, plastic, or wood.
 19. The platter of claim 12, wherein the third circular-shaped embossment lies generally in the center of the platter.
 20. The platter of claim 12, wherein the platter is made of plastic. 